Windows 10: Performed a clean instal but files still were restored?

Hello, I tried doing a clean instal to my laptop Asus tuf gaming f17 2022 FX707ZM, everything seemed to go fine, at some point got even asked if i want to do a clean instal and that all my files will be lost. But when i got to set up my Laptop again, i noticed that my file names are still present in the laptop. And later on it just restored all my files and apps i had downloaded on its own. I was doing the clean instalation because i was told that my Windows might be partially corupted, because i had some issues with network drivers, so i dont think this failed clean instal did anything wh

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Clean Install Workaround for Vista

You may remember this news story on techPowerUp! a couple of days ago relating to the lack of clean installs when using the Upgrade Editions of Vista, which required an old OS to be installed. However, Paul Thurrott has managed to find a workaround for this issue, which ironically lets users do a clean install Vista without any previous version of Windows, albeit a little tedious. Here are the steps:

• Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD as normal
• When prompted for a product code, leave this blank
• Select the version of Vista you have purchased and let Vista install
• When you boot to your desktop for the first time, run the Vista setup from Windows
• This time enter your product key
• When asked whether you want to do an Upgrade of Custom install, select custom and choose a clean install
• Windows will now install for a second time and you should be able to activate it

Remember, these steps are only advised for use in order to achieve a clean install of Vista, it is only legal to use the upgrade editions if you have previously purchased the appropriate version of Windows.

Source: DailyTech

 

Corrupt files after clean install

Hi



Welcome to Microsoft community.

Experiencing corrupt files and failed updates right after performing clean installations of Windows 10 can indeed be frustrating and perplexing, especially when you've taken steps like replacing your SSD to try and rectify the issue. Here are several steps and considerations that might help you diagnose and potentially troubleshoot the problem:

Check Your Installation Media

• Ensure that your Windows 10 installation media is up to date and not corrupted. If you're using a USB drive for installation, consider downloading a fresh copy of the Windows 10 installation tool from the official Microsoft website and creating a new installation media.
  

Verify Hardware Compatibility and Health

• Although you've replaced the SSD, there could be other hardware compatibility issues or failures contributing to these problems. Use tools like MemTest86 to check your RAM for errors. Also, consider running diagnostics on your CPU and motherboard. Hardware issues can sometimes manifest as software errors, including corrupt files.
  

Update Drivers and Firmware

• Ensure that all your system's firmware and drivers are up to date, especially the motherboard's BIOS/UEFI firmware. Sometimes, compatibility issues with the hardware and the operating system can cause problems during updates and installations.
  
• Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.
  
  If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.
  

Check for Overclocking

• If you've overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, try resetting these components to their default speeds. Overclocking can sometimes cause instability that might not be immediately apparent but could affect updates and system file integrity.
  

Perform a Clean Boot and Update

• Try performing a clean boot by disabling all non-Microsoft services and startup programs through the System Configuration tool (msconfig). This can help identify if third-party software is interfering with updates and system file integrity.
  
• Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.
  
  These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get back on track.
  

Use DISM Tool

• In addition to the System File Checker (sfc /scannow), use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair Windows Update components and the system image. Run the following commands in an elevated Command Prompt:
  
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    

Monitor System Stability and Errors

• Keep an eye on the System and Application logs in Event Viewer for any warnings or errors that might give you more insight into what's causing the crashes and file corruption.
  

Consult Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter to find and fix problems with Windows Update. You can find this tool in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooter.
  

Consider Testing with Another Operating System

• If you're still experiencing issues, consider running a different operating system (like a Linux live distribution) from a USB drive to see if the problems persist. If they do, this further suggests a hardware issue.
  

Persistent file corruption and update failures after clean installations point to underlying issues that might not be immediately obvious. By methodically working through these steps, you can hopefully identify and resolve the root cause of the problem.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.



Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Best way to perform a clean installation...

I'm running Win 10 Pro Insider 2004 (19564.1005) and I've been noticing little problems here and there. These are very small, but at the same time, can be frustrating. Performance degradation to the point of being non usable and having to reboot, windows update doesn't always work, programs in the notification area will either freeze temporarily or permanently, requiring an "end process" command via task manager to revive/restart said program, etc...

Currently, the "Evaluation Copy is set to expire on 7/31/2020" message that pops up every 15 seconds is what really motivated me to write this post and start planning a clean install.

I use my computer for work as a web developer. I have a lot of programs running on my computer at a time

My strategy for storage has always been:

• Primary Drive for OS & Programs
• Secondary Drive for Downloads/Documents/Pictures (my Library folders
• Tertiary Drive for Media/Personal Files/etc
• Quaternary Drive for Client/Business Related Files

The only folder I have never messed with is the user profile folder (ie. user/cntquinn/) - You know, the folder that contains Documents/Downloads/Favorites/AppData etc...

I have a few questions regarding a clean installation:

What is the best way to backup individual program settings? I'm guessing I should load each program individually and see if there is a way to save/backup settings manually and then do so to a storage device not going to be used for Windows?
How often should one do a clean install of Windows? The last time I did a clean install of Windows 10 was at least 2 years ago. I'm concerned that there are unnecessary "Services" / "Scheduled Tasks" / stray files & registry entries in every area of my system drive.



Is there a better way to manage the user profile folder mentioned above? Can you explain what that folder is for and if it's better to reuse that folder? My "Library" folders are stored on another drive, along with any files/folders that are created by me. Files created by installed programs or by other means, are stored in their default location within the user profile folder located in the system drive.

Are there any other folders you can suggest to have backed up and readily accessible? Of course I will be backing up the entire system disk, just in case.



A tutorial on this site that uses a powershell command to list all programs installed on a machine and then export them to a txt file is going to be my starting point/guide for what needs to be installed after Windows, so that's handled.

My computer specs are listed in my profile and are up to date.

Maybe someone out there has a checklist or similar structured guide for performing a clean install of Windows for maintenance reasons. I want to do it, but I don't want to miss something or waste a lot of time because I had to do a full restore from the backup I created.

After all that typing I realized that there are plenty of tutorials on what to backup/steps to consider and basically any and all you need to know before and after doing a clean install. I'm going to post this anyway...in hopes that you will participate.

List your before and after tasks when it comes to doing a clean install